While he admits he “still has a lot to learn”, Leka Halasima is enjoying his new role in the centres - even putting his hand up to play there in the Rugby League World Cup.
While the Warriors flying at the moment, Halasima - who had been making a name for himself in the second row - was first picked in the centres this season in Round 3 due to a rising injury toll.
He then played 10 games back in his customary second row and two more off the bench, before coach Andrew Webster decided to shift him back out on the edge in the Round 22 a win over the Titans, where he scored a try.
Leka Halasima Try
Speaking after playing his part in the 40-6 win over Brisbane where he again crossed the try line, Halasima said he was enjoying his 'new' life on the outside.
“Oh, not going to lie, it is pretty tough, I've still got things to learn," Halasima told NRL.com.
“I think this is probably like my third game in the centres? I’m still learning."
When asked what he was enjoying about it, his tongue was firmly planted in his cheek.
“Probably just all the rests and everything! You didn't have to make any tackles."
However, Halasima did admit not having to tackle as much of the defensive load had given him the impetus to provide the team more spark in attack.
“It gives me a lot of energy, especially like playing in centres … (I like) helping the boys out, getting to where we need to get, especially having all the energy," Halasima said.
“It’s not like in the middle where you're like you're blowing or you're on the edge, so you have to come in and carry."
Halasima will line up in the number 4. jersey again this week when the side travel to Sydney to take on the Rabbitohs.
Match: Rabbitohs v Warriors
Round 25 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
7th Position
away Team
Warriors
3rd Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Although a new position for him in the NRL, it probably comes as no surprise the move to the backs is not so new overall. His background in the role also meant he had no issues with taking it on board when approached by his coach.
“I was originally a centre … (so some parts of) transferring from backrow to centre was pretty easy, I have kind of got the speed and everything, it's just the defending that I still need to learn," Halasima said.
"But I will get there soon.
“To be honest, I wasn't double thinking or anything like that (when Webster made the move).
“I was just team first. Whatever Webby wants, and then we go with it.
“I did a couple of reps in the centres at the start of the year, just in case of any backs go down then I'm another option for them …
“I will be happy wherever the coaches want me, even though if it's in the middle, on the bench, I wouldn't mind."
That is the same mindset he is looking to take into the Rugby League World Cup, hoping that he gets another call up for Tonga after making his international debut at the Pacific Championships last year.
“Wherever he puts me, I wouldn't mind," Halasima said.
"I just want to be part of the World Cup to be part of the team, represent my family and my culture and where I come from.
“As long as I'm on the field, then I'm happy."
Tonga's first match of the tournament will be against England at Perth's HBF Park.
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